Are older adults living in compact development more active? – Evidence from 36 diverse regions of the United States

Abstract

AbstractWith the population of older adults growing globally, this study asks the question: are older adults living in compact developments more active than those living in sprawling developments? Older adults can be deemed more active if they travel more in total or travel more by non-auto travel modes (such as walking, transit). By analyzing disaggregated data from 36 regions of the United States, this study finds that older adults living in compact neighborhoods do not travel more in total but travel more by walking and public transportation than those living in sprawling neighborhoods. In addition, older adults travel less, are more auto-dependent, and make more home-based-nonwork trips, compared to younger adults. Older adults with lower income travel less than those with higher income. Older adults living in compact neighborhoods with the lowest income level generate the highest number of transit trips. It is important for planners and policy makers to not only create built environments that support older adults’ travel needs, but also to avoid social inequity.